Gurgaon, Nov 28, KDC: Sringeri Shankaracharya H.H. Vidhushekhara Bharati Ji has issued a strong message in support of reopening the historic Sharda Sarvagnya Peeth in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling it a long-standing demand and an ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri Hindu community.
Addressing a large gathering of Kashmiri Pandits at Bani Dham Gaushala Temple in Gurgaon during his Anugreh Vashanam, the Shankaracharya, said the struggle for Sharda Peeth would continue, and urged the community to remain united in their efforts. His visit marked the concluding day of his 20-day tour of Delhi-NCR, and was the first such interaction with Kashmiri Pandits in the region.
During the visit, the Shankaracharya offered Pushp Archana at the site of the proposed Sharda Temple on a hillock opposite the Banidham temple. He also toured the Gaushala jointly managed by Banidham Gaushala and community members from Kashmiri Pandit organisations, where over 1,000 cows are being cared for.
Ravinder Pandita, president of All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), welcomed the Shankaracharya and appealed for the creation of a religious corridor to Sharda Peeth on the lines of the Kartarpur Corridor. He urged all four Sharda Mutts to jointly write to the Prime Minister seeking formal steps to reopen the ancient pilgrimage site in PoK.
Banidham Gaushala representatives including Pt. Keshavanand, Madan Ji, Ajay Pandita, Suneel Kachroo, and Ashwini Pandita accompanied the Shankaracharya on a comprehensive tour of the premises.
The event concluded with the presentation of Sharda Shawls to the Shankaracharya and his followers, followed by prasad vitran. (KDC)
